Visayas Newsbits for June 13, 2014

June 12, 2014

UP SCIENTIST IS OUTSTANDING TEACHER FINALIST

Iloilo City (PIA) – Dr. Resurreccion Sadaba, a faculty member of the Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines-Visayas (UPV) is the sole finalist chosen in the Visayas for the higher education category in Metrobank Foundation’s 2014 nationwide Search for Outstanding Teacher. The UP has previously received various professional and community service awards in the municipal, regional, national, and international levels from different reputable organizations.

CAPIZ DENGUE CASES DECLINE

Roxas City, Capiz (PIA) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) records shows a decline in the number of dengue cases in Capiz. From January to May this year, the PHO recorded 456 dengue cases, 442 from Capiz and the other 14 patients from neighboring provinces confined in hospitals in the province. One death from Brgy. Sibaguan, Roxas City was recorded. These figures represent a 33 percent decrease from number of cases in the same period last year. PHO Information Officer Joeffrey Espiritu stressed however that the public should not be complacent about this declining number of cases, as dengue-carrying mosquitoes attack the whole year round.

TREE PLANTING MARKS ENVIRONMENT MONTH

Catbalogan City, Samar – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here led government agencies, local government units and such non-government organizations as the Bikers Association of Catbalogan in massive tree planting activities to mark World Environment Month. DENR-CENRO Officer Marcialito G. Torres said among the national government agencies that participated in the massive tree planting were the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the National Food Authority (NFA). (Nestor L. Abrematea)

BUTTERFLY TRANSITIONAL DWELLINGS IN TACLOBAN

Tacloban City, Leyte (PNA) – The Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) will donate 50 units of butterfly houses in response to shelter needs of families displaced by typhoon Yolanda here. PDRF program coordinator Mark Adrian S. Santos said families at the Brigham Estate in Brgy. 68 have been identified as shelter recipients. Inventor and supplier Rogelio Santos Jr. said, “This is PDRF’s attempt to get people out of tents and move them into better housing.” The house, a fully locally-manufactured Filipino invention, is a steel-framed, marine-plywood coated house which can be easily folded.

SILAY MARKS 57TH CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

Silay City, Negros Occ. (PNA) – This city celebrated yesterday its 57th Charter Anniversary, coinciding with the country’s 116th Independence Day commemoration yesterday. Yesterday’s celebration showcased the Silaynons’ achievements in commerce, agriculture, tourism, arts, culture, sports, education, infrastructure, public services and capacity to work together for their city.